introduction

The Sd.Kfz.7 was THE standard prime mover of the Wehrmacht, and it has enjoyed a real modeling Renaissance with the release of over nine kits from Dragon and Trumpeter over the past few years. Unfortunately, Dragon provided no instrument dial decals in its kits. Trumpeter's were average at best.

Fortunately, Archer Fine Transfers has released sets of dry transfers that provide dials where none existed, ones that are exceptionally well-printed. In addition, their set for the Sd.Kfz.7 has the silver-framed engine & dashboard placards meant to facilitate maintenance and care of the vehicle. These are either missing from most plastic kits, or poorly-rendered. This review is of their set for the Dragon kits (6466, 6525, 6542 and 6562).

Archer also has a set for the Trumpeter Sd.Kfz.7 kits, which contain instrument dial decals, though of middling quality. That review is available here

what you get

Inside the usual neatly-packaged Archer glassine envelope are:

2 sheets of dry transfers (one for dials & one for placards)
a small piece of Wet Medium Paper
an instruction sheet

the review

I have reviewed a box-full of Archer dry transfers, and consider them among the best after-market products out there: the printing is flawless, and the transfers, while tiny, go on easily with the Wet Medium Paper. Now you might ask why a dry transfer manufacturer would be including a wet transfer method in the package.

It's because the dry transfer method works better on larger images, while smaller ones run the risk of being improperly-centered. You have to rub the dry transfer off with a pen, pencil or other dull point, and it's damned difficult doing that with small items. The other challenge is the transfer may not "take" to the model surface. Using the Wet Medium Paper basically assures you of nearly flawless decaling every time.

Basically, you rub the dry transfer onto the wet medium paper, cut out the image, dip in water, then place on the model. Apply some decal setting solution and cover with a little clear coat afterwards.

The process is a snap, and I have had no problems with it in dozens of applications. In fact, Archer insists on using the wet medium paper rather than trying to apply the transfers directly to the model.

And if you have any problems (and I doubt you will), Archer guarantees their products unconditionally. I once had a sheet of transfers that was defective, and they sent me a replacement right away.

Finally, this sheet will supply the dials and placards for up to four kits, so either buy more models or share these with friends! I have three additional Sd.Kfz. 7s in my stash (one original, one Late War and one Sd.Kfz. 7/2), so these will be put to great use.

conclusion

Given that the Dragon kits have no dials or placards, this set is pretty indispensable. In three of Dragon's kits, the instrument panel is wide-open, so you'll want to have the best-looking instruments you can get.

Our thanks to Archer Fine Transfers for providing this review sample. Be sure to mention you saw it reviewed here on Armorama when ordering.